Are You Hoarding God’s Blessings? - Devotion for Saturday August 3, 2019

Devotion for Saturday August 3, 2019

Topic: Are You Hoarding God’s Blessings?

Text: Luke 12:13 – 14

While teaching on greed, Jesus gave a parable about this man mentioned in our text. The Greek word for greed literally means the thirst for having more. Working to provide for you family’s need is not covetousness. However, while we work for our needs, we must be rich towards God by seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Little did the poor fool (though materially rich) in our text, so wise in matters of earthly business, suspect that the awful doom was close to him. He forgot what Solomon said, “Do not boast about tomorrow” (Proverbs 27:1).

Jesus used this parable to teach the dangers in greed and covetousness. This farmer saw his wealth as an opportunity to please himself. He had no thought of others or of God. There’s certainly nothing wrong in following good business principles, or even with saving for the future (1 Timothy 5:8). But this man in our text had a false perception or view of life and death. He thought that life comes from accumulating things and death was far away.

On March 11, 1856, Henry David Thoreau wrote in his journal, “That man is the richest whose pleasures are cheapest.” He also said, “A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.” Being wealthy is not sin rather making wealth your god (Colossians 3:5). The man lived without God and died without God and his wealth was but incident in his life.

What about you? How do treat God’s blessings upon your life; are you hoarding it for you and your posterity or you are using it to please yourself or to please God? Beware!

Food for Thought: Wealth and pride are enemies of salvation

Memory verse: Luke 12:19

Prayer: O God, make me rich towards you by seeking first your kingdom and His righteous in Jesus name. 

Release God’s Blessings To Rest Upon You

My Daily Covenant with God Devotional

Devotion for Saturday January 19, 2019

Topic: Release God’s Blessings To Rest Upon You

Text: Ezekiel 44:28 – 31

Our bible passage for today makes reference to priests. They are God’s inheritance and possession (Ezekiel 44:28). What God meant here is that they shall have their maintenance from Him, that is, from the offerings and first-fruits which He ASSIGNED TO THEM. This instruction here is from Numbers 18:20 – 24. Thus God gave the instruction that other Israelites should take care of them and He also gave them (the priests) instruction on the kind of offering they are to eat from. The essence of these instructions is to make the priest concentrate on the work assigned to them. Again it was to help the priest live above reproach. God required the people to give the very best of their offering to the priest. The effect of giving the best is to cause a blessing to rest on their (Israelites) houses.

Our memory verse teaches us what God wants us to do in this regard. When these instructions were issued, the first recipients were farmers who harvest seasonally. But most of the present day Christians are civil/public servants, business men and women. On our path, God requires us to set aside our tithes to support His work and priests. We should also make provision for their comfort. Unfortunately, most priests have abused this honour and it started long ago (remember the sons of Samuel) but that doesn’t mean we should neglect our duties toward the genuine ones. They need your support. Supporting them will bring more blessings upon you. A friend once told me that some pastors have abused his goodwill so he has channeled his support to other less privileged people. This is also another way to cause blessings upon your family.

Action: If you don’t have any plan of helping priests and church work, draw a plan today and start up something. Ask God to direct you on the best way to do it

Memory verse: Ezekiel 44:30

Prayer: God, as I help your priests, may I never lose my reward. Cause more blessings upon me in Jesus name. Amen.

There Is No Loss In Following Jesus

Devotion for Friday June 15, 2018

Sing SS&S 601

Topic: There Is No Loss In Following Jesus

Text: Luke 18:28 – 30                        

Most times, people assume that those who surrender their lives to Christ are at a loss because they will no longer “enjoy” the things of the world. This is a wrong notion. There is no loss in salvation or following Jesus. It was this notion that led Peter to ask Jesus what becomes their fate as His followers (Luke 18:28). The response of Jesus is in Luke 18:29 – 30. Jesus noted that those who had left all and followed Him are no losers; that is, in this world they shall receive manifold blessings in hundred-fold (Mark 10:30). Job lost all in order to prove to Satan about his faithfulness in serving God and at the end, God restored all he lost while he was still alive (Job 42:10) and I know that his faith will certainly take him to heaven. Is there any lesson for us here in this story of Job? Beloved, our God is faithful. 1Thessalonians 5:24 says, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” For this reason, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). People may have been taunting you concerning your faith in Christ Jesus and calling you names. Don’t mind them! There is a reward for you. The greatest reward we look forward to is the eternal life in the bliss of heaven. Are you looking forward to that city? Don’t allow the distractions of the world to keep you out of it.

Food for Thought: There is no loss for the sake of the gospel that is greater than the love God has for us.

Memory verse: Luke 18:30

Prayer: Lord God, as I have left all to follow you, may I not lose my reward in Jesus name.

Obedience, A Prerequisite For Abundance Blessings

Devotion for Friday March 23, 2018

Topic: Obedience, A Prerequisite For Abundance Blessings

Text: Deuteronomy 28:1 – 14                

Moses took only 14 verses in this chapter to explain obedience which is a secret to abundance (blessings) life and used the remaining 54 verses of this chapter to speak about disobedience and its consequences (curses). Why did he spend so much time talking about disobedience? He did that because human nature is always inclined to sin and disobedience. 

Moses was emphatic that obedience is the very key (Deuteronomy 28:1, 2) to assessing the numerous blessing mentioned in Deuteronomy 28: 3 – 14. The blessing is promised, upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God. God requires them live righteously in their families and nation at large, and then by God’s providence all their outward concerns would prosper. This is God’s assurance of His blessing upon His people. Those blessings which others greedily follow after, and never overtake, shall follow after them, and shall be thrown into their laps by God’s special kindness because they are His people who obey His voice. 

Naturally, there is the tendency to bless those who obey us and this is same with God. How obedient are you to God’s commandments? Do you make light of them? Remember that just as the whole destiny of Israelites was laid before them, as it was to result from their obedience or the contrary, so it has been laid out for us. Make the right choice now. 

Sing SS&S 493; Abu 175

Food for Thought: Only he who believes is obedient and only he, who is obedient, believes.

Memory verse: Deuteronomy 28:2

Prayer: God, I need the grace to obey your commandments which is a prerequisite for abundant blessing in Jesus name.

He Who Scatters Seed …

Devotion for Sunday January 7, 2018

Topic: He Who Scatters Seed …

Proverbs 11:24 – 25 

Today’s topic is similar to that of yesterday.  Proverbs 11:24 speaks about the liberal man and a miser. A liberal or bountiful man will always give to the poor and will never turn away his face from any one in distress. It is on that premise that the Lord blesses his property, and the bread is multiplied in his hand. Scatter as used here means giving alms (charity) or sowing seeds. The reward for the liberal man is also found in Proverbs 11:25. This shows us how wonderful our God is! He gives the property, gives the heart to use it aright, and recompenses the man for doing it as He wants. True Christian liberality is the one broad road to prosperity. It secures God's blessing upon our gain, and makes it profitable to ourselves and to others. With this in mind, we ought to plan to scatter our seeds (talents, wisdom and wealth) this year. How best can you do this? Think about it and write them down in your journal to enable you act on them. Remember that true liberality is a broad way to prosperity. Therefore, choose to be liberal and not miser; choose to be prosperous and not a pauper, choose to live a self-sufficient life and not a beggarly life. The choice is all yours. The decision you make now will affect the life you will live throughout the year and beyond. Sing A&M 483; SS&S 1053; Abu 319

Food for Thought: Psalm 112 verse 9

Memory verse: Proverbs 11: 24   

Prayer: Lord God, teach me the true Christian liberality in Jesus name. Amen.

Are You Hoarding God’s Blessings?

Devotion for Thursday August 3, 2017

Topic: Are You Hoarding God’s Blessings?

Text: Luke 12:13 – 14

Jesus while teaching on greed gave a parable about this man. The Greek word for greed literally means the thirst for having more. Working to provide for you family’s need is not covetousness. However, while we work for our needs, we must be rich towards God by seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Little did the poor fool (though materially rich) in our text, so wise in matters of earthly business, suspect that the awful doom was close to him. He forgot what Solomon said, “Do not boast about tomorrow” (Proverbs 27:1).

Jesus used this parable to teach the dangers in greed and covetousness. This farmer saw his wealth as an opportunity to please himself. He had no thought of others or of God. There’s certainly nothing wrong in following good business principles, or even with saving for the future (1 Timothy 5:8). This man had a false perception or view of life and death. He thought that life comes from accumulating things and death was far away.

On March 11, 1856, Henry David Thoreau wrote in his journal, “That man is the richest whose pleasures are cheapest.” He also said, “A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.” Being wealthy is not sin rather making wealth your god (Colossians 3:5). The man lived without God and died without God and his wealth was but incident in his life. What about you? How do treat God’s blessings upon your life; Are you hoarding it for you and your posterity  or you are using it to please yourself or to please God? Beware!

Food for Thought: Wealth and pride are enemies of salvation

Memory verse: Luke 12:19

Prayer: O God, make me rich towards you by seeking seeking first your kingdom and His righteous in Jesus name. 

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday July 13, 2017

Topic: A Delightful Land

Text: Malachi 3:9 -12

In our text is one of the blessings God has promised us when we honour Him with our tithes and offering (Malachi 3:9 – 12). Read through the passage and find out other blessings that go with tithing and offering. He assured that when Israel obey His word and honour Him with their tithes and offering, He would do great things amongst them which people would see and call their land delightsome.

What God promised was a peculiar blessing upon His people which would make their land a resemblance of Paradise, the garden of the Lord, Eden. When people begin to do what is expected, they will become delightsome. The period Malachi wrote this prophecy was a period of decay in the life of the Jews. They were actually waiting for the coming of the Messiah but not ready to comply with God’s demands hence, Malachi 3:1 – 3, 5 stated so. Is it similar to what we have today? Do a comparison of Malachi’s period and our present day society (Christianity).  

Beloved, has God made you a delight for people around you? Are there evidences of God’s delight in your affairs? Probably, you have not cared to obey God and live out His commandments.  That could be the reason why there are no evidences that God delights in you.

These are some of the things that will make God and people to delight in you: having the fear of God, wisdom from God, blessings of God, when you love peace, righteousness and charity. God can make you a delight only when you delight in Him also (Psalm 1:2, 37:4 and 119:92). When we honour God, He reciprocates. Begin to do that today.

Food for Thought: Total obedience to God brings blessings and makes us a delight

Memory verse: Malachi 3:12

Prayer: Lord, may I delight in you always so that you will bless me and make me a delight in the eyes of the world.

The Glory To Be Revealed

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday May 16, 2017

Topic: The Glory To Be Revealed

Text: Romans 8:17 – 25

The rigorous training and exercise sports men and women go through to enable them perform well at their best/peak, and if possible to win the ultimate price is similar to what is expected of us in Christian race. This was the idea Paul expressed in 1 Cor. 9:24–27. He summed it up by saying: “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” He had a goal and a vision, and was focused. Thus he developed self-discipline, self-control and willpower to succeed. This trio was his guide in life and his drive in heavenly race. But there is something more glorious that God has kept for us that run this heavenly race to the end and according to specifications (1 Cor. 2:9 & Isa. 64:4). Do you desire to be part of God’s glorious kingdom? Yes of course you do! However, do you know there are things that can make you lose focus? Can you mention about five of them? How can you overcome them to make heaven at last? There are sacrifices which we must make and also trials which we are called to endure in this Christian life. All these things are light and momentary, compared with the blessings which God will bestow upon us when we get to heaven. What are the sacrifices you are making now because you want to please God? What are the temptations you are enduring now? You may be enduring some trials of your faith now. Never mind all these, your reward will be more glorious at the end. Your faith will not disappoint you. Just keep trusting Him.

Food for Thought: How prepared are you for these things God has kept for us?

Memory verse: Romans 8 verse 18

Prayer: Lord God, prepare me for heaven and grant that I will not lose out from the future glory reserved for your people.

THE BLESSINGS IN PERSECUTION

Devotion for Thursday December 22, 2016

Topic: THE BLESSINGS IN PERSECUTION      

Text: Matthew 5:10 – 12                  

As we conclude the study on the Beatitudes, we should note these four ways to understand and imbibe its lessons.

(1) They are codes of ethics for us and a standard of conduct for all Christians. What it means is that we are not to choose the one we want and discard the others rather we are bound to have them and live by them.

(2) They contrast Kingdom values (what is eternal) with worldly values (what is temporary). Most Christians of today are much more interested in the worldly things and their values. We should be careful to understand the things that are needful for us so as not to be carried away by worldly value and we miss heaven at last.

(3) They contrast the superficial faith of the Pharisees with the real faith that Christ demands. What Christ demands from us is what matters even when people do not consider it as normal or they see them as outdated.

(4) They show how the Old Testament expectations will be fulfilled in the new Kingdom.

These Beatitudes are not multiple choices to pick from; rather, it must be taken as a whole. They describe what we should be like, as Christ’s followers and how we should relate with God and Man.

In this last of the Beatitudes, Jesus stresses what will mark us out as matured Christians. It takes a high level of maturity to endure temptations and trials without losing your faith. Jesus said we should rejoice when we’re persecuted for our faith for the following reasons.

(1) It takes our eyes off earthly rewards.

(2) It strips away superficial belief,

(3) It strengthens our faith when we endure, and

(4) Our attitude going through it serves as an example to others who follow.

We should be comforted knowing that God’s greatest prophets were persecuted (Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel, etc). The fact that we are being persecuted proves that we have been faithful. Remain faithful because God will reward those faithful by receiving them into His eternal Kingdom, where there will be no more persecution.  Will you be there?

Food for Thought: Persecution strengthens our faith when we endure it.

Memory verse: Matthew 5 verse 10: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (KJV).

Prayer: God, I need your grace to endure persecution, trial and temptations that may come my way in Jesus name. Amen.

BLESSINGS IN PURITY OF HEART

DEVOTION FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 20, 2016

Topic: BLESSINGS IN PURITY OF HEART    

Text: Matthew 5:8                      Memory verse: Matthew 5:8

Purity is very essential in our Christian walk. God is pure and it is expected that we should be pure too. People characterized as pure in heart are people who are honest and sincere, people who do not accommodate evil thoughts in their hearts. The pure in heart are free from the dominion and pollution of sin. They are people of integrity and they demonstrate single-minded commitment to God. They are also free from evil desires and purposes, pride, evil thoughts, corruption, and lust.

In Psalm 51:10, David prayed that God should create in him a clean heart. This implies that for our heart to be pure, we need the washing of the heart with the blood of Jesus Christ which God alone can do. This is the promise of God in Ezekiel 36:25–28. What it involves is that we should always ask God for cleansing of our hearts because it can be polluted in a matter of seconds if we don’t guard what we take to heart.

Our hearts becomes impure when we allow filth to enter through what we read, hear, see or think. This is the reason for the admonition in Proverbs 4:23. We have a duty here to guide our hearts against pollution so that we will receive this reward. Because of the sincere devotion of a pure heart to Christ, such will see God here and now through the eyes of faith (Hebrews 11:27), and finally face-to-face (1 John 3:2). How pure is your heart? Are you one of those who will see God face to face? It has been my prayer that I will see God. Is that your desire too?

Food for Thought: Psalm 24:3 & 4

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to maintain a pure heart always so I will be qualified to see your face.

REGARD YOUR MAKER: Devotion for Saturday October 15, 2016

REGARD YOUR MAKER: Devotion for Saturday October 15, 2016

Text: 1 Chronicle 17:1 – 14     Memory verse: 1 Chronicle 17 verse 1 

Any true Christian will not be contented with being blessed rather he will also want to do all he can for the honour of God and the good of mankind. What is statement means is that the person who is blessed will not be selfish with his blessing and will always acknowledge God as the source of his blessings. Such person will not want to rest until he uses his blessings to serve God and humanity. One reason God blesses us is to be a channel of blessing to others too.

David being at rest in his palace, considered how he might best employ his leisure and prosperity in the service of God. He formed a design to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant. When he presented the idea to Nathan the prophet, initially he didn’t speak as a prophet who had received words from God, but as a godly man, encouraging David in his proposition to build a temple until God spoke otherwise (1 Chronicle 17:3–15).

What Nathan did was not wrong. Such encouragement is needed when we meet with people who have ideas on how best to promote God’s work. As Christians, we ought to do all we can to encourage and promote the good purposes and designs of others, and, as we have opportunity, to forward a good work. This is what promotes unity, love, peace and development in a society.

Have you been blessed by God and you feel unconcerned about the situation of your church? Are you blessed and you don’t consider doing anything for God, His Church, His servants, the needy and the less privileged in the society? God is saying to you today through Haggai; consider your ways (Haggai 1:7). A true Christian cannot be comfortable when God’s house is in ruins; when the church needs money for evangelism and mission.

Do you regard God who gave you the wealth you are enjoying now? Then do something to glorify Him. Do you think the peace you are enjoying is because you deserve it? They are all gift from God. Do something as a regard for God who has blessed you. I have seen individuals build churches. You can do similar thing too. You can support this production of this daily devotional. You will never lose your reward.  

Food for Thought: Regard for God’s blessing is an appreciation for His grace upon us.

Prayer: Lord, help me not to be selfish with your blessings upon my life.

AN EXCUSE TO ATTACK: Devotion for Wednesday September 21, 2016

AN EXCUSE TO ATTACK: Devotion for Wednesday September 21, 2016

Text: Job 2:1 – 6                Memory verse: Job 2 verse 4

Despite the calamities that befell Job in Job chapter one, he still persevered in yielding unreserved and faithful obedience to God. That is what sincere Christianity is all about. A true is never disheartened and discouraged by trials and temptations. Rather he uses the opportunity to draw closer to God and to draw from Him more grace and mercies.

True Christianity has been proved a thousand times to be genuine among so many Christians, yet Satan and his agents still insist that it is all hypocrisy and selfishness. This was how they also accused us in my village of playing hypocrisy and falsehood in our Evangelical Fellowship in Anglican Communion (EFAC). They claimed that we wanted to secede and to build a church for ourselves.

To show and prove that these are all but falsehood, God sometimes allows Satan to attack us with calamities, while He sustains us with His grace. The essence of this is to silence the objections of Satan and foolish men who take joy in ridiculing Christianity and our faith. Have you been challenged once? How did God confront them to silence them? Share your testimony if you are studying as a group.  

Here, Satan here renews his accusation of selfishness against Job. He submitted that health was of greater importance to man than wealth and thus when Job’s health is at stake, he will deny God. .  It is true he has lost his property and his children, but his person yet remains unharmed. For this reason, Satan came again insisting that should God touch his skin and health, he will renounce his allegiance to God, and blaspheme his name. Unfortunately he was also proven wrong.

Satan has one excuse/accusation or another why he attacks a child of God. These excuses are purely God’s blessings and talents in us. It may be your money/wealth, knowledge, beauty, position in office, your children, your health, etc. We should understand that when the blessings of God are upon us, it will always attract temptations and trials from Satan and his agents. We should not be deterred by the temptations of the devil to the extent that we curse God and deny Him. These trials and temptations are for some time. They will soon end. We should be resolute in our Christianity and faith when trials come our ways (James 1:12).

Food for Thought: Matthew 10:22

Prayer: God, as Satan and men envy your blessings upon my life and thus plan evil against me, may I not yield to their trials to turn against you.

BLESSINGS ATTRACT ENVY: Devotion for Thursday September 8, 2016

BLESSINGS ATTRACT ENVY: Devotion for Thursday September 8, 2016

Text: Genesis 26:15 – 23          Memory verse: Genesis 26:16

God is ever faithful to the words He has spoken and He keeps them. He doesn’t make a promise without keeping to it. We have series of promises He made to His people which were fulfilled. Though some took a long time to come to pass, the long time in our eyes is not so with God.

He kept His promise to bless Isaac (Genesis 26:3) as Isaac was blessed (Genesis 26:13). The Bible stated that he started prospering until he became prosperous. The neighbouring Philistines grew jealous because everything Isaac did seemed to go right. The first step they took was to plug his wells and tried to get rid of him. By this they thought his blessings will cease. Being jealous is a very bad and it is a dividing force that can tear apart the closest friends. Life Application Notes says, “Jealousy forces you to separate yourself from what you were longing for in the first place. When you find yourself becoming jealous of others, try thanking God for their good fortune.”

The jealousy and envy of the Philistines against Isaac made him to relocate three times and on each occasion, he and his men dug new well. In the first two disputes that arose between Isaac and the Philistines, he moved on. He opted to avoid quarrel and troubles of the Philistines by moving to a more neutral ground. Here is a lesson and challenge for us Christians of this generation. Isaac moved on without challenging back for his rights which were denied him. He finally got to a place where there was room enough for him and the Philistines. Instead of Isaac resorting to start a huge conflict, he opted for give and take for the sake of peace between him and his landlords. We should be willing to forsake an important position or valuable possession to keep peace as those who bear the name of Christ.

Beloved, it shouldn’t be a surprise when your Landlord, your colleagues, your neighbours, etc, begins to envy you. Picking quarrels against them will be a mark of immaturity. With the blessing of God upon you, you are greater than them and will continue to excel above them. If someone is jealous of you, it means you have something he or she doesn’t have. Why then will you be offended? Know that the more they envy you, the more you will continue to prosper. It is my sincere desire that God will prosper you till you become prosperous in Jesus name. Amen        

Food for Thought: Exodus 1:9

Prayer: Lord God, grant me the wisdom to know when to withdraw and when to stand and fight when people are against me.

ABOUT FIRST FRUIT HARVEST: Devotion for Sunday September 4, 2016

ABOUT FIRST FRUIT HARVEST: Devotion for Sunday September 4, 2016

Text: Deuteronomy 26:1 – 11    Memory verse: Deuteronomy 26:2

First fruit harvest is an injunction from God who ordered the Israelis to do it and by extension we the new Israel. God gave His people the injunction to present their first fruit of all their produce to Him (Deut. 26:2). From out text, it was obvious that this injunction from God to the Israelis is in order not to forget the source of their blessings. It is a way of showing gratitude to God from who all our blessings comes from. This injunction is from the covenant God made with Israel (Ex. 34:26, 27).

In Deut. 26:2–11 is the instructions on how to carry out our first fruit harvest. We are expected to pick some of all produce of our land, put them in a basket and take them to the church and offer them to the Lord. The Priest will receive them from our hands and bless us. It should not be taken to any other place.

There are lessons for us in this our scriptural reading for today. They are (a) God is the source of all we have and all we are. Our successes are not out of our strength, our business acumen, our intelligence, etc. If it were so, there wouldn’t have been poor people because majority of the poor in our society today labour for almost 24 hour of every day in the week. If not God’s grace and favour, what can we achieve? He blesses our little effort and turns it to become a mighty blessing. Yesterday’s devotion attests to this.  

(b) It is a sign of regard, honour for and obedience to God (Prov. 3:9). When we set aside our first fruit as God demands from us, we are honouring God and He in turn will honour us (1 Sam. 2:30).

(c) It teaches us that we have responsibilities towards God. It makes us responsible to God who made us, gave us those blessings and to the less privileged ones; the strangers, the priests, the widows, etc, that we have around us. It is also a way of sowing seeds for a better and a greater harvest. How are you doing these? Let it be with a cheerful heart and not grudgingly because God loves a cheerful giver. Happy first fruit harvest to those celebrating today!

Food for Thought: Proverbs 3:9

Prayer: My Lord and my Father, may I always honour you with my substances because they all come from you in Jesus name.

CAUSE BLESSINGS TO REST UPON YOU: Devotion for Thursday May 26, 2016

CAUSE BLESSINGS TO REST UPON YOU: Devotion for Thursday May 26, 2016

Text: Ezekiel 44:28 – 31         Memory verse: v 30

Our bible passage for today makes reference to priests. They are God’s inheritance and possession (44:28). What God meant here is that they shall have their maintenance from Him, that is, from the offerings and first-fruits which He assigned to them. This instruction here is from Num. 18:20–24. Thus God gave the instruction that other Israelites should take care of them and He also gave them instruction on the kind of offering they are to eat from. The essence of these instructions is to make the priest concentrate on the work assigned to them. Again it was to help the priest live above reproach that God required the people to give the very best of their offerings to the priest. The effect of giving the best is to cause a blessing to rest on their houses.       

From 44:30, we should understand what God wants us to do. When these instructions were issued, the first recipients were farmers who harvest seasonally. But most of the present day Christians are civil/public servants, business men and women. On our path, God requires us to set aside our tithes to support His work and priests. We should also make provision for their comfort. Unfortunately, most priests have abused this honour but that doesn’t mean we should neglect our duties toward the genuine ones. They need your support. Supporting them will bring more blessings upon you. A friend once told me that some pastors have abused his goodwill so he has channeled his support to other less privileged people. This is also another way to cause blessings upon your family.

Action: If you don’t have any plan for helping priests, draw a plan today and start up something. Ask God to direct you on the best way to do it.

Prayer: God, as I help your priests, may I never lose my reward. Cause more blessings upon me in Jesus name.      

THE LORD REMEMBERS US: Devotion for Monday May 23, 2016

THE LORD REMEMBERS US: Devotion for Monday May 23, 2016

Text: 1 Samuel 1: 19 – 27    Memory verse: v19

There is no condition we pass through in life that God is not aware of and He always plans ways of escape for us. Most times because of our impatience, we miss out in His plans thinking He is inconsiderate to our needs. It is not always true. When our blessings are delayed or devil stands against them and God finally releases them, they will become great blessings for us and our generation. God remembered Hannah (1:19). The remembrance led to one of the greatest prophets of Israel. Though God seem to forget our burdens, troubles, cares, and prayers, yet He will at length ensure that He meets our need so that we will be sure we are not out of His mind. As God remembered Hannah, so He will remember you and solve that lingering problem in Jesus name.  

Blessings obtained of God in answer to prayer should be promptly and gratefully acknowledged, and measures be taken to keep His goodness in perpetual remembrance. Hannah acknowledged God’s manifold blessings (1:24–27). She did not even withhold the child as she promised. For this singular act, God blessed her with more children (1 Samuel 2:21). This shows that when we give God what is due to Him or what we have vowed, He will bless us the more. Have you made any vow to God? Endeavour to fulfill them because it is a way of attracting more blessing upon your life.

Food for Thought: When God remembers us, it makes the difference in what we finally become in life

Prayer: Lord God, remember me as you remembered Hannah and bless me with the desires of my heart. 2. Today pray for all the women having delay in conception that God will remember them as He remembered Hannah.

SECRET OF ABUNDANCE (OBEDIENCE) 2: Devotion for Friday February 26, 2016

SECRET OF ABUNDANCE (OBEDIENCE) 2: Devotion for Friday February 26, 2016

Text: Deuteronomy 28:1 – 14                 Memory verse: v 2

Moses took only 14 verses in this chapter to explain obedience which is one secret of abundance (blessing) and used the remaining 54 verses of this chapter to speak about disobedience and its consequences (curses). Why did he spend so much time talking about disobedience? He did that because human beings by nature are always inclined to sin and disobedience. Moses was emphatic that obedience is the very key (28:1, 2) to assessing the numerous blessing mentioned in 28:3–14. The blessing is promised, upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God. God requires them live righteously in their families and nation at large, then the providence of God would prosper all their outward concerns.

Here is God’s assurance of blessing His people. Those blessings which others greedily follow after, and never overtake, shall follow after us, and shall be thrown into our laps by God’s special kindness because we are His people who obey His voice. Naturally, there is the tendency to bless those who obey us. This is same with God. How obedient are you to God’s commandments? Do you make light of them? Remember that just as the whole destiny of Israelis was laid before them, as it was to result from their obedience or the contrary, so it has been laid out for us. The choice is all yours.  

Food for Thought: Only he who believes is obedient and only he, who is obedient, believes.

Prayer: God, I need your grace to obey your commandments which is a prerequisite for abundant blessing in Jesus name.

God's Chosen: Devotion for Thursday February 18, 2016

GOD’S CHOSEN    Thursday February 18, 2016

Text: Ephesians 1:3 – 6     Memory verse: v 3

Spiritual and heavenly blessings are the best blessings; when we have them, our lives can’t be miserable, and when we don’t have them, we will be so miserable. Here, Paul tells the Ephesians that the consequence of their election in Christ is that they should be made holy by separation from sin, being set apart to God, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, which was, the choice Christ made before the foundation of the world. Paul’s use of the phrase “God chose us” was to emphasize that salvation depends totally on God. We are not saved because we deserve it but because God is gracious and He freely saves us. We did not influence God’s decision to save us; He saved us according to His plan. Thus, there is no way to take credit for our salvation or to allow room for pride.

Beloved, God chose us, and when we belong to Him through Jesus Christ, God looks at us as if we had never sinned. All we can do about our salvation is to express our thanks for His wonderful love for us. Have you ever wondered why God chose you as a Christian despite your past and family background? Have you ever wondered why you are in that position where you are today? It is not out of sheer hard work but by His love and grace for you. Therefore, you have to be grateful that God chose you and favoured you just because He loves you. Our appropriate responses for His love towards us are love for Him, worship, and service in thankfulness for His wonderful grace. We must never take our privileged status as a license for sin or abuse it in any way.   

Food for Thought: Why did God choose you to become a Christian?

Prayer: God, as you have chosen me, may I live a life of gratitude for this honour in Jesus name.

WHY GOD TESTS THE RIGHTEOUS: Devotion for Friday November 6, 2015

WHY GOD TESTS THE RIGHTEOUS 

Text: Psalm 11:4 – 7      Memory verse: v 5

David here declares the great source of his unflinching courage. God does not hate us, but He only tries us to know our obedience and faithfulness. As Christians we are precious to Him, and therefore He refines us with trials in a bid to bless us when we pass through them faithfully. Christians may not hope to escape from trial, nor, indeed, in our right minds, would any of us desire to do so, for trial is the channel of many blessings. However, He hates the wicked and will punish them (v 6). Psalm 11:7 affords an overwhelming reason why we should be steadfast, immovable, and not carried away with fear, or led to adopt carnal expedients in order to avoid trial.

Beloved, trials are channels of blessings. Remember so many cases like that of Abraham. This is the reason why God tries us. If you desire blessings, you should not run away from trials because that will be an open door for your blessings to come. It will afford you opportunities to discover the potentials in you. If trials didn’t come to Daniel, we wouldn’t have known that God can deliver someone from Lion’s den. The stories of Joseph, David, Daniel, etc are clear examples for us.

Food for Thought: Trial is an experiment or search made upon a man, by some affliction, to prove the value and strength of his faith.

Prayer: Lord, help me never to fail any trial of my faith.

THEY SHALL OVERTAKE YOU Sunday November 1, 2015

THEY SHALL OVERTAKE YOU   Sunday November 1, 2015

Text: Deuteronomy 28:1 – 6      Memory verse: v 2

In this chapter the blessings and curses are enumerated at length, and in various small details, so that on the first entrance of the Israelites into the land of promise, their whole destiny was laid before them, as it was to result from their obedience or the contrary. The blessings are here put before the curses because God is slow to anger, but swift to show mercy. It is His delight to bless. The blessing is promised, upon condition that they diligently hearken to the voice of God. They are required to keep up religion, the form and power of it, in their families and nation, and then the providence of God would prosper all their outward concerns.

Those blessings which others greedily follow after, and never overtake, shall follow after you, and shall be thrown into your lap by special kindness. These promises still stand for us today. Unfortunately, most people run after miracles and blessings because they have refused to obey the voice of God. It is through obedience that God’s blessings will come upon us and overtake us this month and in the days ahead. Have a lovely month of November.

Food for Thought: For these blessings to overtake you, what are the things you should do?

Prayer: May I play my part O Lord, so that your blessings will overtake me.